Atalanta manager, Ivan Juric, has revealed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was misled by people around him during the summer transfer window, which led to a failed move to Inter Milan.
Juric made the comments during his post-match interview following Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Torino in the Italian Serie A on Sunday. Lookman came off the bench in the 87th minute of the game, making one of his first appearances since the transfer saga.
In August, Lookman was involved in a transfer standoff with Atalanta after expressing a strong desire to leave the club and join Serie A giants Inter Milan. The 27-year-old reportedly submitted a formal transfer request and even went absent without leave (AWOL) in an attempt to force the move through.
However, Atalanta stood their ground and refused to sanction the transfer, keeping the Nigerian international at the club for the 2024/25 season.
Speaking about the issue for the first time, Juric said Lookman later apologised to both him and the squad, admitting that he had been wrongly advised.
“He spoke to me and the team on Monday. He was surrounded by people who had given him some bad advice,” the Atalanta coach said. “He has a great winning mentality, and now we need to get him back in shape physically.”
Juric did not name those responsible for influencing Lookman’s behaviour, but his comments suggest that the player may have been pressured by agents or external advisers to push for the move in an unprofessional manner.
Lookman, who was one of Atalanta’s standout performers last season and a key player for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, saw his relationship with the club strained by the episode. However, Sunday’s late appearance off the bench indicates efforts are being made to reintegrate him into the squad.
Atalanta fans will be hoping the winger can put the transfer drama behind him and focus on helping the club compete in Serie A and European competitions this season.
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite due to his pace, skill, and goal contributions.
As of now, no further disciplinary action has been announced by the club.
